# 2026-19329: Dead FM Slots in Podunk Towns Get FCC Resurrection

2026-19329, Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations, is a Federal Register rule from Federal Communications Commission published 2026-09-22, effective 2026-09-22; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-09-29).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19329
- As of: 2026-09-29
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-19329
- Title: Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Federal Communications Commission
- Citation: 91 FR 60005
- Published: 2026-09-22
- Effective: 2026-09-22
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-09-29

## In one line

Dead FM Slots in Podunk Towns Get FCC Resurrection

## Summary

The FCC is bringing back some empty FM radio channels in different towns because previous licenses were canceled. These channels meet all the rules and are ready for new applications, but the FCC isn’t accepting applications just yet. This change starts on September 22, 2026, and could open new chances for radio stations soon.

## Abstract

This document amends the Table of FM Allotments, of the Federal Communications Commission's (Commission) rules, by reinstating certain channels as a vacant FM allotment in various communities. The FM allotments were previously removed from the FM Table because a construction permit and/or license was granted. These FM allotments are now considered vacant because of the cancellation of the associated FM authorizations. A staff engineering analysis confirms that all of the vacant FM allotments complies with the minimum distance separation requirements and principle community coverage requirements of the Commission's rules. The window period for filing applications for these vacant FM allotments will not be opened at this time. Instead, the issue of opening these allotments for filing will be addressed by the Commission in subsequent order.

## Effects PRIA read

- Vacant FM Channels Reinstated: benefit, low. The FCC reinstated vacant FM allotments effective September 22, 2026, for these communities and channels: Fowler, CO (Channel 257C1); Parachute, CO (266A); Horseshoe Beach, FL (234C3, revised); Coushatta, LA (235C2); Arcadia, MO (280A); Ellington, MO (294C2); Ellsworth AFB, SD (285C); and Huntingdo…
- Filing Window Not Opened Yet: cost, low. Although these FM allotments are reinstated, the FCC is not opening the filing window for applications at this time. The Commission will decide later, in a subsequent order, when or whether to open the allotments for filing.

## Related documents

- [2026-20591](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20591): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20590](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20590): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20676](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20676): Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20607](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20607): Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20681](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20681): Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20486](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20486): Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, 2026-10-06

## Sources
- [2026-19329 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/22/2026-19329/radio-broadcasting-services-various-locations)
- [2026-19329 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-22/pdf/2026-19329.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-19312, Unsafe or Unsound Practices, Matters Requiring Attention; Correction](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19312)
- [Next: 2026-19350, Nonclinical Testing Terminology](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19350)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19329 (as of 2026-09-29).